Justin Abdelkader announced Thursday that he has signed an amateur contract with the Detroit Red Wings and will forego his senior season of eligibility for Michigan State's hockey team.

Abdelkader, a second-round pick of the Red Wings in 2005 who attended Mona Shores High School, will be available for tonight's Red Wings game tonight against Columbus at Joe Louis Arena.

"It's an amazing feeling to realize my dream of being a Red Wing and I would like to thank the Detroit organization," said Abdelkader. "On the flip side, it's difficult to leave Michigan State. My three years there were the best of my life and not only from a hockey standpoint."

Abdelkader, who scored the national championship-clinching goal for MSU in the 2007 title game, was named the most outstanding player of the 2007 Frozen Four and was an honorable mention all-CCHA selection this season.

He scored 19 goals for the Spartans this season and tallied 40 points. He led the team with five game-winning goals and with 107 penalty minutes.

"We're very happy for Justin," said Michigan State coach Rick Comley. "Obviously, this is one of those situations where we're thrilled for a player who has meant so much to our program. We have nothing but good thoughts and wish him the absolute best."

Abdkelkader helped MSU to a 25-12-5 record this past season and the Spartans third straight appearance in the regional finals.